Method and apparatus for programably treating water in a water cooler

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital controller as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it. The apparatus includes an anti-spill receiver that houses the controller and that can contain a ozone generator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/737,636,filed 9 Jan. 2013 (issuing as U.S. Pat. No. 8,647,501 on 11 Feb. 2014),which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,233,filed 11 Jun. 2008 (issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,920 on 5 Feb. 2013),which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/976,899, filed 2 Oct. 2007, each of which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

Priority of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/737,636, filed 9 Jan.2013 (published as Pub. No. US2013/0192293 on 1 Aug. 2013); U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 12/137,233, filed 11 Jun. 2008; and U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/976,899, filed 2 Oct. 2007,each of which are incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/681,342, filed 2 Aug. 2010(published as US2010/0288710 on 18 Nov. 2010 is a National Stage EntryApplication of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2008/078601,filed on 2 Oct. 2008 (published as WO2009/046201 on 9 Apr. 2009), whichis a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/137,233, filed11 Jun. 2008 (published as US2008/0264877 on 30 Oct. 2008), which is anonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.60/976,899, filed 2 Oct. 2007. All of these applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/842,476, filed 21 Aug. 2007 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,655,150, issued on 2 Feb. 2010), was a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/535,754, filed 27 Sep. 2006 (nowU.S. Pat. No. 7,258,803, issued on 21 Aug. 2007), which was acontinuation in part of International Application No. PCT/US2005/014118,filed 21 Apr. 2005 (published as WO2005/118462 on 15 Dec. 2005), whichwas a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/109,913, filed20 Apr. 2005 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,114,637, issued on 3 Oct. 2006), whichwas a nonprovisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/564,178, filed 21 Apr. 2004. All of these applications are herebyincorporated herein by reference.

International Application No. PCT/US2002/019158, filed 17 Jun. 2002(published as WO2002/102706 on 27 Dec. 2002), is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable

REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX”

Not applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for programablytreating water in a water dispenser or “water cooler” and moreparticularly to an improved method and apparatus for sanitizing waterthat is to be dispensed from a water dispenser or “water cooler” of thetype having a cabinet with one or more spigots for dispensing water froma reservoir water supply that is contained within or hidden inside thecabinet.

GENERAL BACKGROUND

There are several types of cabinet type water dispensers in use today.One of the most common types of such water dispensers is a floorstanding cabinet having an open top that receives a large invertedbottle. The bottle is typically of a plastic or glass material having aconstricted neck. The bottle is turned upside down and placed on the topof the cabinet with the neck of the bottle extending into a water filledreservoir so that the water seeks its own level in the reservoir duringuse. As a user draws water from a spigot dispenser, the liquid level inthe reservoir drops until it falls below the neck of the bottle at whichtime water flows from the bottle and bubbles enter the bottle untilpressure has equalized. Inverted bottle type water dispensers are soldby a number of companies in the United States and elsewhere. Many suchwater dispensing cabinets are refrigerated.

Other types of water dispensers have an outer cabinet that contains areservoir or water supply. These other types of water dispensers havinga cabinet include one type that stores a large bottle (such as three orfive gallon) at the bottom of the cabinet. A pump transfers water fromthe large bottle to the reservoir. At the reservoir, the water istypically refrigerated.

Another type of water dispenser simply connects a water supply (e.g.,city water, well water) directly to a reservoir that is contained withinor hidden inside the cabinet. A float valve or other water levelcontroller can be provided to insure that the reservoir is always filledwith water but does not overflow. Water that is transferred from citywater, well water or another source can be filtered or otherwise treatedbefore being transmitted to the reservoir.

All of these types of water dispensers that employ cabinets typicallyhave one or more water dispensing spigots on the outside of the cabinet.These spigots are typically manually operated, but can be automaticallyoperated. For example, water vending machines dispense after a consumerpays for water. The water is automatically dispensed when coins are fedto the machine.

One of the problems with cabinet style water dispensers is that ofcleansing the reservoir from time to time. Because the reservoir is notair tight, it breathes allowing bacteria to enter the reservoir over aperiod of time. The reservoirs are typically contained within theconfines of the cabinet and are not easily accessed and cleaned byconsumers or end users.

For inverted bottle type dispensers, in addition to the problem of anopen top, the five gallon bottles are themselves a source of bacteriaand germs. Most of these bottles are transported on trucks where thebottles are exposed to outside air. They are handled by operators thattypically grab the bottle at the neck, the very part of the bottle thatcommunicates with the open reservoir during use. Unfortunately, it isdifficult to convince every person that handles these bottles to washtheir hands frequently enough. In order to properly sanitize such awater dispenser or cooler, the user must carefully clean the neck of thebottle prior to combining the bottle with the cabinet. Further, the usershould drain and sanitize the reservoir from time to time. The cleansingof the reservoir in such a water dispenser is a time consuming projectthat is typically not performed at regular intervals.

The dispensing spigots that are provided on common cabinet type waterdispensers can also be a source of contamination. These spigots aretypically manually operated and are therefore a source of contaminationfrom the users that operate them. Individuals have also been known todrink directly from the spigot. Therefore, sanitation of the spigots aswell as the reservoir should be a part of routine maintenance.

Process ozone diffusion by bubble reactor method in small static volumesof water with abbreviated water columns to diffused ozone levelssatisfactory to disinfect microorganisms in brief time periods can bedifficult to achieve. An ozone generator can be used as the source ofozone. The ozone generator can include an air pump as a source of oxygenfor generating ozone. The air pump preferably includes a microbialfilter to filter contaminants. A diffuser can be used to diffuse thegenerated ozone into the water reservoir.

Various factors impact the effectiveness of bacterial removal from thewater such as the microbial load, pH, temperature, conductivity, andcooler characteristics (e.g., whether an ice ring has formed which canact as a shield for microbes trapped in the ice ring). Furthermore, thevariability of power supply (e.g., European power supplies versus USpower supplies) can cause a generator's application to be geographicallylimited unless modified. Additionally, time constraints for operation ofthe ozone generator and diffuser can impact operation.

Additionally, in certain refrigerated reservoirs an ice ring can forminside the reservoir adjacent to the cooling coils for the reservoir.Such an ice ring can serve as a form of protection for microbescontained in the ice ring when ozone is being diffused in the reservoir.After an ozone cycle, when the ice melts wholly or partially, thetrapped microbes can enter the water and thus contaminate the reservoir.

Additionally, certain waters contain loadings of bromates which cancause problems.

The above indicate a need for developing a generator and diffusercontaining flexibility regarding the timing, amount, and duration ofozone generated; along with the timing, amount, and duration of airsupplied. Additionally, there is a need for killing microbes which maybe trapped in ice rings. Furthermore, there is a need for addressingwater containing bromates. Additionally, there is a need for addressingdifferent types of electrical supplies for various geographical areas.

In a preferred embodiment the method and apparatus is directed to aneconomical means of overcoming each of the factors that limit processozone's potential disinfecting capacity. It is concerned with theoptimization of each point in small automated ozonation systems bothupstream and downstream from the ozonator. The object of this effort isto devise a single, economical, high longevity system capable ofsanitizing many of the shapes and sizes of water dispensers in usetoday.

The present invention thus provides an improved self sanitizing waterdispenser apparatus as well as a method for generating ozone forcleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

While certain novel features of this invention shown and described beloware pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended tobe limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill inthe relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications,substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the deviceillustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in anyway from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of theinvention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated asbeing “critical” or “essential.”

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms.

In a preferred embodiment the generator is programmable regarding thetiming, amount, and/or duration of ozone generated and/or air supplied.In a preferred embodiment the generator is programmable regardingmicrobes which may be trapped in ice rings and/or water containingbromates. Furthermore in a preferred embodiment the generator canautomatically adjust for different types of electrical supplies forvarious geographical areas.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages ofthe present invention, reference should be had to the following detaileddescription, read in conjunction with the following drawings, whereinlike reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 is diagram of a water cooler incorporating one embodiment of aprogrammable controller;

FIG. 2 is diagram of a programmable controller;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a programmable controller;

FIG. 4 is an end view of the controller of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the controller of FIG. 3 with a remote display;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the controller of FIG. 3 with the casingopened;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump for an ozone generator;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pump in FIG. 7 with the input filterremoved;

FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the controller of FIG. 3 with thecasing opened;

FIG. 10 is a close up view of an ozone generation component in thecontroller of FIG. 3;

FIGS. 11A-11C are a circuit diagram for one embodiment of programmablecontroller;

FIGS. 12A-12B are a diagram of a circuit board for the programmablecontroller of FIGS. 11A-11C;

FIG. 13 is a diagram of the rear of the circuit board in FIGS. 12A-12B;

FIG. 14A-14B are a circuit diagram for an alternative embodiment ofprogrammable controller;

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a circuit board for the programmable controllerof FIGS. 14A-14B;

FIG. 16 is a diagram of the rear of the circuit board in FIG. 15;

FIGS. 17A-17C are figures from operating manuals for the programmablecontroller;

FIG. 18 is a perspective side view of a second alternate embodiment ofthe apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary perspective, exploded view of the secondalternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary perspective, exploded view of the secondalternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and

FIG. 21 is a sectional, elevation view of the second alternateembodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structureor manner.

FIG. 1 is diagram of a water dispenser or water cooler 10 incorporatingone embodiment of a programmable controller 200. Water dispenser 10provides an improved apparatus that sanitizes the open reservoir fromtime to time with ozone. The apparatus 10 includes a cabinet 20 having alower end portion 30 and an upper end portion 40. The upper end portion40 carries a cover 50 having an opening 60.

Opening 60 can provide an annular flange 70 and a gasket (e.g. o-ring)that define an interface between cabinet 20 and bottle 100. Bottle 100can be any commercially available bottle, typically of a several gallonvolume (e.g. five gallons). Bottle 100 can provide a constricted bottledneck 110 that is placed inside an open reservoir 15 during use. Bottleneck 110 has an opening for communicating with a reservoir 15 at theinterior of cabinet 20 that holds the water product to be dispensed andconsumed. When the water level 19A in reservoir 15 is lowered duringuse, air bubbles enter bottle 100 and water replenishes reservoir 15until pressure equalizes.

Reservoir 15 has an interior 16 surrounded by reservoir sidewall 17 andreservoir bottom wall 18. Reservoir 15 can be, for example, generallycylindrically shaped and of a stainless steel or plastic material.Reservoir 15 can provide an open top for communicating with neck 110 ofbottle 100.

During use, reservoir 15 has water level 19A that fluctuates slightly aswater is dispensed and then replenished by bottle 100. One or morespigots 90,92 can be provided for withdrawing water contained inreservoir 15. For example, a left hand spigot 90 can be in communicationwith a flow line that extends up to and near the top of water inreservoir 15, thus removing ambient temperature water from reservoir 15that is not in close proximity to the cooling coils 34 of cooling systemwhich includes a compressor 32. Spigot 92 can provide a port forcommunicating with water contained in the lower end of reservoir 15. Therefrigeration coils 34 could be positioned at the lower end of reservoir15 so that spigot 92 withdraws cool water. As a practical matter, awater dispenser apparatus 10 could provide either ambient temperaturewater, cold water or heated water if, for example, a flow line 96 wereto be provided with a heating element.

For cooling the water at the lower end portion of the reservoir 15, acooling system that includes a compressor 32 can be provided. Therefrigeration system includes flow lines 35, 36 in combination withcompressor 32 to transmit cooling fluid to coils 34 and then to heatexchanger 37 as part of a system for cooling water in reservoir 15.Power can be provided by electrical lines, including an electrical line22 provided with plug 24.

Water in reservoir 15 can be disinfected by ozone supplied by controller200 operably connected to ozone generator 600.

FIG. 2 is diagram of a programmable ozone generator controller 200. FIG.3 is a perspective view of programmable controller 200. FIG. 4 is an endview of controller 200. FIG. 5 is a top view of controller 200 with aremote display 250. FIGS. 2 and 6 are views of controller 200 withcasing 210 opened in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump 400for ozone generator 600. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of pump 400 withinput filter 420 removed. FIG. 9 is another perspective view ofcontroller 200 with casing 210 opened. FIG. 10 is a close up view ofozone generation component 600 which can be located in controller 200.

Generally, programmable controller 200 can comprise casing 210, display240, programmable input 220, ozone generator 600, pump 400, and powerinput 280. Controller 200 can incorporate a digital computer. In oneembodiment ozone generated from generator 600 can be controlled bycontroller 200 and can be injected into reservoir 15 through a diffuser530. Alternatively, programmable controller 200 can include clock 248.To assist in programming ozonation, air, and compressor cycles,controller display 240 can include ozone indicator 242, gas or air flowindicator 244, and power or compressor indicator 246.

In one embodiment, a low permeability filter 510 is placed between ozonegenerator 600 and diffuser 530. Filter 510 is preferably of apermeability which will allow gas to flow through but resist flow ofliquid (e.g., liquid water) up to a head of 10 feet of water.Alternatively, between 3 to 10 feet of water. Filter 510 can preventliquid from forming inside of ozone generator 600 and causing a failureof generator 600. Check valves were preferred in prior embodiments,however, check valves had a tendency to stick or remain in an openposition allowing liquid to pass through and accumulate in ozonegenerator 600. Filter 510 is preferably made from an expanded PTFEmanufactured by W.L. Gore material having an average pore size of onemicron. More preferably, the permeability includes a range of averagepore sizes between about 0.2 microns to about 3 microns. Mostpreferably, the permeability includes a range of average pore sizesbetween about 0.5 microns to about 1.5 microns. Other materials can workwhere they have permeabilities preventing the formation of liquid inozone generator 600. That is, the materials generally restrict liquidflow, but allow gaseous flow. Moisture in gas (e.g., humidity) flowingthrough ozone generator 600 will not cause failure of ozone generator600.

In a preferred embodiment programmable controller 200 can control thetiming and/or duration and/or amount of ozone generated. In a preferredembodiment the amount of ozone generated can be set at levels of 25%,50%, 75%, and 100%. It is anticipated that for higher microbial loadshigher percentages of ozone generation will be set. Additionally, it isanticipated that the level of ozone generated during any one time periodcan also be changed—for example, from higher to lower or from lower tohigher or sinusoidal. In one embodiment the time ozone is generated canbe programmed to occur only on certain days of the week or at certaintime periods (e.g., on Wednesdays and Fridays at 1300 hours) during anycalendar period.

In a preferred embodiment programmable controller 200 can control thetiming and/or duration and/or amount of gas (e.g. ambient air) pumpedthrough controller 200 (e.g., for ozone generator 600 or merely for airflow to diffuser 530). For example air can be pumped through diffuser530 before any ozone is generated. Such activity can help to removepotentially deleterious items in the water, such as bromates.Additionally, compressor 32 on the water dispenser 10 can be cut off bythe controller 200 while air is being pumped. Such an event would assistin melting an ice ring in reservoir 15 (e.g., being roughly analogous toa defrost cycle in a freezer). After the ice ring was melted, controller200 could then send ozone though diffuser 530 killing a substantialportion of the microbes in the water. Following ozone being sent throughdiffuser 530, programmable controller 200 could then send air throughdiffuser 530 removing ozone which was previously diffused throughdiffuser 530. Each of these events could be controlled by theprogrammable controller 200 and individually programmed by a user.

In a preferred embodiment programmable controller 200 can also controlpower to compressor 32. Some water coolers 10 make ice inside theirreservoirs 15 to make sure that customers get a very cold drink ofwater. Before ozonation takes place, controller 200 can shut offcompressor 32 to insure that all of the ice melts either before orduring the ozonation cycle. Even though frozen water can be unfriendlyto bacteriological growth, this option addresses the risk that an icering would shield certain microbes from the ozonation process. Forexample, compressor 32 can be shut off one or two hours before theozonation process begins. Alternatively, compressor 32 can be shut offonly during the ozonation process. Alternatively, compressor 32 is notshut off.

In an alternative embodiment programmable controller 200 canautomatically adjust for different types of electrical supplies (e.g.,input voltages) for various geographical areas. For example, differentvoltages are used in the United States and Europe. Controller 200 caninclude a voltage control circuit 620 which senses the supply voltageand adjusts same to power controller 200 and the items operablyconnected to controller 200, such as ozone generator 600, pump 400, andcompressor 32.

In an alternative embodiment programmable controller 200 can beprogrammable on a calender. For example, programmable controller 200 canbe programmed on a 999 hour repeatable calender. That is, a user canprogram ozonation, air pumping, and/or compressor operation individuallyand separately for specific start and ending periods during the 999 hourrepeat cycle. Alternatively, programmable controller 200 can use a 24hour repeat cycle and a user can program ozonation, air pumping, and/orcompressor operation individually and separately for specific start andending periods during the 24 hour cycle. Alternatively, programmingozone generation can automatically require that air be pumped during thetime of ozonation regardless of whether air pumping was individuallyprogrammed to overlap with the ozonation cycle. Alternatively, more thanone cycle can be programmed for ozonation, air, refrigeration in any oneprogramming period.

In an alternative embodiment (FIG. 3) pump 400 can be separated fromprogrammable controller 200. Pump 400 can be fluidly connected to inlet330 of controller 200 through tube or tubing 440. Air pumped from outlet430 will tend to be at an elevated temperature from ambient air becauseof the pumping action of pump 400. Ozone generator 600 will tend togenerate less ozone when the incoming air is at higher temperatures.Preferably, tube 440 is long enough to allow the air to cool down beforeentering ozone generator 600. It has been found that seventeen oreighteen inches (43 or 46 centimeters) for tube 440 allows the air tocool sufficiently before entering ozone generator 600. Preferably, pump400 can pump about 2 liters per minute of air.

In one embodiment, programmable controller 200 can issue a warningsignal where pump 400 has not been programmed to operate at least duringthe entire time that ozone generator 600 has been programmed to operate.This can increase the life of ozone generator 600, as ozone generator600 may overheat where it is operated without air flow.

FIG. 4 is an end view of controller 200. Casing 210 can include poweroutput 290 and power input 280. Standard receptacles for output 290 andinput 280 are shown. To accommodate individual receptacle types (e.g.,United States versus European) different lines can be used having theappropriate plugs or receptacles. Also shown is fuse 300 which can be astandard fuse and is designed to address excessively high current orhigh voltage situations. Power for pump receptacle 310 is shown as beingspecially formatted to restrict the ability to use a pump 400 that isnot properly configured with controller 200. Output 260 is shown forremote display 250.

FIG. 5 is a top view of ozone generator controller 200 with a remotedisplay 250. Remote display 250 can include an ozone indicator 252,power indicator 254, and error indicator 256. Remote display 250preferably can be placed at a position where a user of water dispenser10 can readily view the display 250. In many situations this will bespaced apart from controller 200. For example, remote display 250 can bepositioned on the front or side of water dispenser 10 where controller200 is positioned at the rear or inside of water dispenser 10. Ozoneindicator 252 will preferably light up when ozone is being generated byozone generator 600. This can serve as a warning signal for a user tonot dispense water while ozone indicator is lighted. Alternatively,ozone indicator 252 can light up not only when ozone is being generated,but for a set period of time after ozone has been generated, such as 5,10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 minutes, or longer, which will allow time forozone to be removed from water dispenser 10.

Ozone indicator 252 can be a red light to indicate a warning or to stop.Power indicator 254 can be lighted when power is being received bycontroller 200. Power indicator 254 can be green to indicate a goodpower situation. Error indicator 256 can be lighted when a failure orerror situation has occurred with controller 200. Error indicator 256can be a yellow light to indicate caution. For example, where there hasbeen a power interruption or where the ozone generator did not come onduring a cycle, error indicator 256 can be lighted.

Alternatively, ozone indicator 252 can remain lighted where a successfulozonation cycle has occurred within a set period of time, such as withinthe last 24 hour period. In this case ozone indicator 252 can be a greenlight.

In an alternative embodiment a test button can be provided to test theozonation cycle. Where test button is activated, the ozonation cyclewill be run for a set period of time, for example, thirty seconds.Alternatively, during the test ozone indicator 252 can be lighted wherethe ozonation cycle is being operated.

In an alternative embodiment a remote programming input unit 230 forprogrammable controller 200 can be provided. A remote programming input230 could allow controller 200 to be located in the rear of waterdispenser 10 while programming input 230 located on the front or one ofthe sides of dispenser 10.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of controller 200 with casing 210 opened.FIG. 9 is another perspective view of ozone generator controller 200with casing 210 opened. FIG. 10 is a close up view of ozone generationcomponent 600 in ozone generator controller 200. Controller 200 caninclude a digital computer which includes control circuit 640 for ozonegeneration, control circuit 650 for air generation, and control circuit660 for compressor 32 power. Controller 200 can also include controlcircuit 620 for voltage converter. The individual circuits are shown inthe diagrams attached to this disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a pump 400 for ozone generatorcontroller 200. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of pump 400 with inputfilter 420 removed. Pump 400 can include input 410, filter 420, filtercap 422, and output 430. Pump 400 can be spaced apart from or includedin casing 210 for controller 200.

FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C are a circuit diagram 202 for one embodiment ofprogrammable controller 200. FIGS. 12A, 12B are a diagram (coupled atmatch line A-A) of a circuit board 204 and various components forprogrammable controller 200. FIG. 13 is a diagram of the rear of thecircuit board 204.

FIGS. 14A-14B are a circuit diagram 202′ for an alternative embodimentof programmable controller 200′. FIG. 15 is a diagram of a circuit board204′ and various components for programmable controller 200′. FIG. 16 isa diagram of the rear of circuit board 204′.

Except during programming, the apparatus controller 200′ display showsyou the current time (after it has been set properly). This is know atthe “Clock State”. During programming, it will show you exactly whichfunction you are changing in the program by flashing that number. If anumber is not entered within 30 seconds (during programming), thecontroller 200′ will revert to the Clock State.

In FIG. 17B, there is shown an illustration of the display with anexplanation of the various components. Please note that many the aboveare visible only when you are using or programming that function. Forexample, the “PGM” on the display only shows when actually in ProgramMode.

There are programming buttons on the front panel. The Four ProgrammingButtons arc shown in FIG. 17C. In FIG. 17C, the “SET+” button 220Aenters the number and moves you forward through FUNCTIONS. The “SET−”button 220B moves backwards through FUNCTIONS. The “+” button 220C movesforward through NUMBERS when in programming mode. In the “clock state”,it also will turn the module on, turn the module off and/or put themodule in Program Mode. The “−” button 220D moves backwards throughNUMBERS when in programming mode. In the “clock state”, it also willallow you to adjust the ozone output (25%, 50%, 75% or 100%)

All clock and timer functions can be performed with these keys 220A,220B, 220C, 220D. If an incorrect entry is made during programming, onecan always go back and enter a correct number by hitting the “SET-”button 200B.

FIGS. 18-21 show a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus of thepresent invention, designated generally by the numeral 10A. Waterdispenser 10A provides a cabinet 12 that is fitted with an anti-spillmodule 11. The cabinet 12 provides one or more spigots 13, each operablewith a handle 14.

Cabinet 12 provides a reservoir 15 having reservoir sidewall 17,reservoir bottom wall 18 and interior 16 that communicates with areservoir upper opening 74 to which is fitted anti-spill module 11. Theanti-spill module 11 can be configured to replace an existing prior artanti-spill module or fitting such as the anti-spill module/fitting shownin U.S. Pat. No. 4,991,635, which is incorporated herein by reference.The present invention further provides an improved method ofconstructing an anti-spill module and an improved method of constructinga water dispenser.

The method of the present invention provides an initial step ofconstructing a circuit board 52 (or like medium that containsprogramming for sanitizing). The circuit board or medium 52 is thenshipped to multiple manufacturers of water dispensers. Each manufactureris given a specification for incorporating the circuit board/media 52into a spill control module 11. In this fashion, the manufacturer isable to control quality.

The anti-spill module 11 of the present invention provides a hollowedhousing 42 that can connect to a prior art style probe/feed tube 38 anda prior art style air filter/check valve unit 39. Probe/feed tube 38connects to bottle 100 neck 110, removing a plug or cork so that watercan flow from bottle 100 via neck 110 to reservoir 15. The disassembledmodule 11 is shown in the exploded view of FIG. 19 and in FIGS. 20-21.Anti-spill module 11 provides a housing 42 that includes upper section43, housing interior 56 and lower section 47. Upper section 43 includesannular bottle support member 41. Housing 42 includes radially extendingsection 55 that contains air pump or blower 54 and a motor drive 65.Radially extending section 55 has an interior 57. Interior 57 cancommunicate with and be a part of the interior 56. On the outer surfaceof housing 42, there is provided a receptacle/socket 58 that can connectto a electrical supply cord 51.

A programming button 59 can be provided on the outside surface ofhousing 42. The programming button 59 can be used to program theapparatus 10A so that ozone is dispensed to water 75 in reservoir 15 ata selected time and for a selected time interval. The following areexemplary instructions for programming apparatus 10A using programmingbutton 59.

Upon plugging in the apparatus 10A, an LED 63 on forward panel 61 willalternate between green and red pulses indicating a pre-programming LEDsequence that it is ready to be programmed by a user. If the unit 10A isalready programmed, this pre-programming LED sequence will only last forabout 10 seconds. If it has not been programmed then thispre-programming LED sequence lasts indefinitely. A user presses thebutton 59 once within this programming window to put the apparatus 10Ainto “Programming Mode”. A user will know the apparatus 10A has entered“Programming Mode” when the LED 63 pulses green 5 times and then remainsred.

A user then depresses the button 59 once for every hour from the presenttime until a “Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” is to begin. For example, ifit is currently 1:00 PM and the user wishes for the“Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” to run daily at 3:00 AM, the user wouldpress the button 59 a total of 14 times. The LED 63 will pulse greeneach time the button 59 is pushed.

Once the user has entered in the desired start time, the user waitsabout 15 seconds for the apparatus 10A to exit “Programming Mode”. Whenthis occurs, the LED 63 will turn from red to green. If water isdetected at the probes 66, 67, the LED 63 will stay solid. If water isnot detected at the probes 66, 67, the LED 63 will flash until theprobes 66, 67 are placed into reservoir 15 so that the probes 66, 67touch water 75, for example at or below water level 19A contained inreservoir 15 as shown in FIG. 21.

The time at which the “Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” is run can bereprogrammed by simply unplugging the apparatus 10A and then plugging itback in, and then starting again with the “Programming Mode”.

If at any time a user wishes to see how many hours remain until the“Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” will run, the user simply presses andreleases the button 59. The LED 63 will pulse red once for each houruntil the cycle is scheduled to run.

If a user wishes to run a “Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” immediately(“GO” Cycle) without waiting for the scheduled cycle, the user depressesthe button 59 for 20 seconds. This would typically be done once every 24hours, and would typically not occur in the same hour as the scheduled“Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle”.

The length of the “Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” can be set using dipswitches (e.g. five) on the controller board 52, located next to abattery. The apparatus 10A can be pre-programmed to run for 5 minutes ofSanitization (ozone and air flow) and 5 minutes of dissipation (i.e. airflow only, no ozone flow).

Note that if water is not detected at the metal probes 66, 67, forexample at water level 19B, the “Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle” will notrun. However, if water is detected in reservoir 15 by probes 66, 67, forexample at water level 19A, within an hour following the beginning ofwhen a Sanitization Cycle is scheduled to begin or when a cycle isinitiated by pressing the button for 20 seconds, then the SanitizationCycle will start as soon as water is detected in reservoir 15 and willrun the entirety of its allotted time. If a Sanitization Cycle hasalready started when the probes detect that water is no longer presentin reservoir 15, the ozone will immediately stop for the remainder ofthe “Sanitization/Ozonation Cycle”, but the air pump 54 will run theentirety of its allotted time.

When the unit 10A is unplugged the time and program point is retained.It will continue to track real time for up to 3 weeks with no externalpower. At 3 weeks the unit is put into a deep sleep to conserve itsbattery. The time and program point are then lost.

The user can force the unit into deep sleep and back to the unprogrammedstate by uplugging external power while simultaneously holding down thebutton 59. This is a good step to take immediately prior to shipment orstorage as it saves battery life. It is also a way to allow additional“GO” cycles to be run in a 24-hour period. Note that after this actionis performed, the unit 10A must be reprogrammed using button 59.

Indicator lamp 63 on panel 61 indicate whether or not power is on forthe unit 10A. Indicator light 63 can indicate whether or not the unit isin the process of ozonation. For example, the indicator lamp 63 can be agreen LED that indicates that it is safe to drink the water that isdispensed from either one of the spigots 13. A second indicator lamp orLED can be a red LED that indicates that ozonation is in the process ofdisinfecting the water and that a user should not operate the spigots13. Alternatively, one lamp 63 can be provided that flashes “red”(ozonation in progress) or “green” (no ozonation in progress, safe todrink).

Housing 42 interior 56 can be used to contain circuit board 52, which isshaped to extend around central opening 64. It should be understood thatthe circuit board 52 can provide all of the functions for the apparatus10A that are discussed in the embodiments of FIGS. 1-17.

The apparatus 10A of the present invention can thus be used to retrofitany existing water dispensing cabinet 12 with the capability ofdisinfecting or ozonating its water supply by simply replacing its priorart anti-spill mechanism, with the anti-spill module 11 shown in FIGS.18-21.

Contacts 66, 67 detect whether or not water is present in reservoir 15.If not, ozonation is disallowed. Flow line 68 communicates between airpump 54 ozone generator 53. Flow line 73 communicates between ozonegenerator 53 and diffuser 69. Fitting 72 on module 11 can be used aspart of flow line 73. Flow line 73 can include check valve 71 positionedjust above diffuser 69 (see FIG. 19).

It is preferred that components approved by United Laboratories (ULapproved) be used for as many components as possible.

The following is a list of reference numerals:

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS (Part No.) (Description)  10 waterdispenser/water cooler  10A water dispenser  11 anti-spill module  12cabinet  13 spigot  14 handle  15 reservoir  16 interior  17 reservoirsidewall  18 reservoir bottom wall  19A water level  19B water level  20cabinet  22 electrical line  24 plug  30 lower end portion  32compressor  34 cooling coils  35 flow line  36 flow line  37 heatexchanger  38 probe/feed tube  39 filter/check valve  40 upper endportion  41 annular bottle support member  42 housing  43 upper section 44 flow inlet  45 filter  46 tapered entry  47 lower section  48valving member  49 filter element  50 cover  51 electrical supply cord 52 circuit board/controller board  53 ozone generator  54 airpump/blower  55 radially extending section  56 interior  57 interior  58receptacle/socket  59 programming button  60 opening  61 forward panel 62  63 indicator light (LED)  64 central opening  65 motor drive  66probe  67 probe  68 flow line  69 diffuser  70 annular flange  71 checkvalve  72 fitting  73 flow line  74 upper opening  75 water  80 gasket 90 spigot  92 spigot  96 flow line 100 bottle 102 water level in bottle110 bottle neck 200 controller 200′ controller 202 circuit diagram 202′circuit diagram 204 circuit board 204′ circuit board 210 casing 212mounting bracket 220 programmable input 220A set button 220B set button220C set button 220D set button 230 remote programmable input 240display 242 ozone indicator 244 gas flow indicator 246 compressorindicator 248 clock 250 remote display 252 ozone indicator 254 powerindicator 256 error indicator 260 output for remote display 270 supportconnectors 280 power input 282 plug 290 power output 300 electrical fuse310 power for pump 330 gas input/inlet 340 gas output 400 pump 410 inputfor pump 420 filter 422 cap 430 output for pump 440 tube/tubing 500first output tubing 510 low permeability filter 520 second output tubing530 diffuser 600 ozone generator 610 heat sink for ozone generator 620control circuit for universal voltage converter 630 backup battery 640control circuit for ozone generation 650 control circuit for airgeneration 660 control circuit for compressor power

All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature andpressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. Allmaterials used or intended to be used in a human being arebiocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or twoor more together may also find a useful application in other types ofmethods differing from the type described above. Without furtheranalysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the presentinvention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adaptit for various applications without omitting features that, from thestandpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics ofthe generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in theappended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way ofexample only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited onlyby the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A water dispenser, comprising: (a) acabinet having a reservoir contained within the cabinet, the reservoirbeing capable of holding water, and at least one spigot in fluidcommunication with the reservoir for dispensing water; (b) an anti-spillannular housing that is attached to the cabinet above the reservoir, theanti-spill annular housing having an interior, a separating wall thatseparates the interior from the water contained in the reservoir, acentral opening surrounded by a bottle support surface that isconfigured to support an inverted water supply bottle having a neck; (c)a male water inlet, the male water inlet configured to connect to thewater supply bottle at the bottle neck and being fluidly connected tothe reservoir; (d) a diffuser contained within the reservoir foremitting bubbles into the reservoir; characterized by: (e) an ozonegenerator contained within the annular housing and being operablyconnected to the diffuser; (f) a controller operably connected to theozone generator, the controller being programmable regarding the timingand the duration of ozone generated by the ozone generator and sent tothe diffuser; (g) at least one water detection probe operably connectedto the controller at a point that is located in the interior of theanti-spill housing, the at least one water detection probe at leastpartially located outside of the interior of the anti-spill housing andextending downwardly into the reservoir to detect a water level withinthe reservoir, wherein the at least one water detection probe preventsoperation of the ozone generator based on the water level in thereservoir.
 2. The water dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a pumpthat is in fluid communication with the ozone generator so that the pumpcan transmit air and/or ozone from the generator to the diffuser.
 3. Thewater dispenser of claim 2, wherein the controller includes an input forthe pump which allows programming for the operation of the pumpregarding the timing and duration of air to be sent to the diffuser fromthe pump.
 4. The water dispenser of claim 3, wherein the controller isprogrammed to have air pumped through the diffuser for a set period oftime before ozone is generated.
 5. The water dispenser of claim 3,wherein the controller is programmed to have air pumped through thediffuser for a set period of time before ozone is sent through thediffuser and a set period of time after ozone is generated.
 6. The waterdispenser of claim 3, wherein the controller is programmed to have airpumped through the diffuser for a set period of time after ozone isgenerated.
 7. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the at least onewater detection probe includes a low level water detection probe and atleast a second water detection probe that is a high level waterdetection probe, each of these water detection probes being operablyconnected to the controller, the water detection probes extendingdownwardly through the separating wall into the reservoir to detect awater level within the reservoir.
 8. The water dispenser of claim 1,wherein the controller is supported by a printed circuit board, whichprinted circuit board is located in the interior.
 9. The water dispenserof claim 1, wherein the pump is programmable regarding the timing andduration of air/ozone to be sent to the diffuser from the pump.
 10. Thewater dispenser of claim 1, wherein the housing supports an ozonedestruct filter that filters out ozone exiting the reservoir.
 11. Thewater dispenser of claim 1, further comprising multiple probes operablyconnected to the controller that extend into the reservoir, said probesindicating when the reservoir contains water.
 12. The water dispenser ofclaim 11, wherein one or more of the probes indicates when the reservoircontains too much water above a selected water level, or too littlewater.
 13. The water dispenser of claim 11, wherein at least one of theprobes prevents operation of the ozone generator when the water level inthe reservoir is above a predefined level as indicating too much wateris in the reservoir.
 14. The water dispenser of claim 11, wherein atleast one of the probes prevents operation of the ozone generator whenthe water level in the reservoir is below a predefined level asindicating too little water is in the reservoir.